Spectrum Instrumentation M2p.65xx 16-bit arbitrary waveform generators

The M2p.65xx series of arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs), from Spectrum Instrumentation, offer 16-bit digital-analog-converters, a fast PCIe x4 interface with up to 700 MBps streaming speed and a card length of only 168 mm to fit into nearly every PC. With 40 or 125 MSps speed, high onboard memory of 512 MSa, output levels of up to ±6 V and four additional multipurpose outputs, the cards will be of interest to engineers needing signal generators for frequencies between 1 and 60 MHz in the areas of ultrasound, laser, LIDAR, radar, automotive, medical science and big physics experiments.

Users can select from two separate output speed rates of 40 or 125 MSa/s and models that have one, two or four channels per card. Each channel features its own DAC and output stage. Multichannel cards share a common clock and trigger to ensure full synchronisation and the output stages incorporate four switchable filter paths to help optimise signal quality. At the same time, they can produce output swings up to ±6 V into a high-impedance (1 MΩ) load or ±3 V into 50 Ω. The flexible output stages combine with the high -resolution 16-bit DACs to enable the generation of signals with low distortion, good dynamic range and a high signal-to-noise ratio.

Each card comes equipped with 512 MSa of onboard memory, complemented by a variety of different output modes. For example, the memory can be segmented and waveforms can be created by looping on, and switching between, different segments. The cards also feature a FIFO streaming capability that enables new waveform data to be read over the fast PCIe bus (at rates of up to 700 MBps) while replaying already transferred information. This flexibility allows users to create ultralong, single-shot waveforms or constantly changing, burst-type signals such as those found in radar, ultrasound, LIDAR or sonar systems.